Since our founding in Berlin in 2015, SOS Humanity has been active as a civilian search and rescue organisation to ensure that no one has to drown at sea and that everyone is treated with dignity. With our rescue ships Humanity 1 and Humanity 2 we operate in the central Mediterranean to rescue people in distress at sea, protect them and bring them to a place of safety.

For our operational crew we are looking for a Cultural Mediator

Cultural Mediators (CM) are crucial in facilitating communication between survivors on board and the crew of SOS HUMANITY. They act as a bridge between our team and the survivors, helping to improve the quality of care provided on board. By breaking down language and cultural barriers, they enhance access to healthcare, including mental health support, as well as other available care services. 

The CM reports to the Care Team Coordinator (CareCo) when working on deck and to the Search and Rescue Coordinator (SARCo) when working on the RHIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat). They support high-quality care and rescue operations through the following responsibilities: 

As part of the CARE Team: 

• Ensuring the overall well-being of survivors aboard the Humanity 1 and building relationships of trust between survivors and crew members 

• Translating communication from crew members into culturally appropriate language to ensure survivors understand information briefings, medical consultations, testimonies, and other key interactions 

• Supporting crew members in understanding relevant cultural contexts in order to improve assistance 

• Participating in all activities related to the health and social care of survivors, including information sessions and other care-related activities 

• Working closely with the Protection Representative to provide information to survivors, identify vulnerabilities, and organise referrals to organisations on shore to help ensure continued care 

• Monitoring activities, informational materials, and their distribution 

• Communicating with Arabic-speaking authorities when necessary 

• Translating documents required for work on board 

• Drafting, revising, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 

• Taking responsibility for e-learning tasks, including the development of new courses and learning materials 

As part of the SAR / RHIB Team: 

• Carrying out initial communication with survivors  

• Ensuring that instructions during rescue operations are clearly understood and followed 

• Supporting the SAR team during rescue operations 

Requirements: 

• Extensive experience in interpreting and/or intercultural mediation 

• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a multicultural and multidisciplinary team 

• Ability to work in a ship environment, under pressure, and with flexibility, adapting to new circumstances and managing stress 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills 

• Proficiency (C2 level) in Arabic and English 

• Good physical and mental health 

• Valid Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Safety (STCW A-VI/1) (issued within the last 5 years) 

• Valid Certificate of Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)  

• Valid Medical Fitness certificate for Seafarers 

• Experience in SAR operations preferable 

Desirable: 

• Experience in the context of migration or related projects, preferably with other NGOs or civil society organizations 

• Ideally proficiency in at least one of the following languages: French, Amharic, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish (Sorani), or Tigrinya, with a strong understanding of the associated cultures 

• A degree/diploma in cultural interpretation or mediation 

We provide: 

• Base salary: €3,000 gross/month 

Individual factors such as experience, affiliation, and care responsibilities are considered within a transparent salary structure, which may lead to a higher salary. 

• German seafarer contract with the possibility of long-term employment 

• 1:1 contract (for each day on board, one day of paid leave) 

• Travel expenses covered

SOS Humanity is currently looking for a Cultural Mediator (CM) to join our team. This is a rotational position shared with another Cultural Mediator, with alternating periods on board and off board throughout the year. We are looking for someone with a long-term perspective, as the intention is to extend the contract beyond the initial rotation-based contract.  

The planned schedule for 2026 is: 

• On board: 22nd June to 4th August 2026 

• On board: 28th September to 9th November 2026 

Application deadline: 17th May 2026 

 We strongly value having an international and diverse crew on board and are happy to support with visa-related questions and processes wherever possible. Due to the often tight operational timelines of our rotations, it is an advantage if applicants already have a valid visa or residence permit for the Schengen area, or are based in a country where the visa process is usually less restrictive and can realistically be completed in time. 

We particularly encourage persons identifying as female, trans*, inter*, non-binary or agender to apply.